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The farmer’s market at the American Legion parking lot was humming with activity Tuesday as shoppers stuffed produce into plastic bags and explored booths brimming with specialty items.

To regulars, the market serves not only as a venue to buy fresh California foods, but also as a place to mingle with friends and meet local farmers.

“It’s the atmosphere,” said Stateline resident Charna Silver, who comes to the market every week. “I just feel like the food is fresher. I know where it comes from, and you get to know the people who grow your food.”

The farmer’s market is held at the same location every Tuesday and features a wide variety of items, including organic produce, fresh bread and handcrafted jewelry.

Dave Carpenter, owner of Tahoe Mountain Soap Company, has been a vendor at the event for 17 years. He sells all-natural soap bars that contain no alcohol or preservatives and are “moisturizing and ideal for an alpine climate,” he said.

“It’s just a great spot,” Carpenter said. “There’s a good mix of locals and tourists and a good mix of produce and other items.”

Other vendors have also become veterans of the farmer’s market over time, but there are still some, including Simply Manna and Rio de Parras Organics, that are new to the lineup this year.

Simply Manna, a family-owned operation based outside of Sacramento, was selling gourmet oyster mushrooms that are grown on organic straw using sustainable farming methods.

Rio de Parras Organics, a small-family business headquartered in Salinas, Calif., was offering a selection of organic vegetables, which the company has been growing for the past 10 years.

South Lake Tahoe resident Stacy Dow said the quality of the market has resulted in her becoming a regular at the venue, and she tries to attend it every week.

“I like to come out and meet all of my friends,” she said. “It’s a social event, and the tomatoes are amazing.”

The farmer’s market at the American Legion is open weekly from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 14.